Not a Fan of Red? Here’s How You Can Rock it This Chinese New Year

Not a Fan of Red? Here’s How You Can Rock it This Chinese New Year

Why you should care

Get in on that good fortune – here’s how to red even if you don’t think it’s rad.

Red is such a loud colour that it’s traditionally worn during Chinese New Year to scare off evil spirits. Boo!

It’s also said to bring good fortune though, and hey, we need all the luck we can get this year.

Even if you’re not a fan of the colour, here are some ways you can sneak the shade into your festive wardrobe this season.

Go Deep or Embrace the Light

lace skater dress

SOURCE: prettylittlething.com

burgundy off-shoulder dress

SOURCE: windsorstore.com

Instead of the bright red we often associate with the festivities, tone it down with deeper hues like burgundy or oxblood. These gorgeous shades will keep dragons at bay and still have you staying true to your low-key sensibilities.

asos jacquard dress

SOURCE: munaluchibridal.com

asos maxi dress

SOURCE: fountainof30.com

You can also opt for the other end of the spectrum – a light pink or fuchsia takes some of the boldness out of the look while staying on trend for the spring festivities. Cherry blossoms, anyone?

The Right Cut

fit and flare dress

SOURCE: nastygal.com

tank dress

SOURCE: shopify.com

Red is a lot of look, and a sexy cut can intensify that. Instead, opt for a demure, classic cut; we love A-line silhouettes and long or three-quarter sleeves. A tank dress or casual cut can also take some of the drama out of the red.

Pair With the Right Shade

maxi skirt with crop top

SOURCE: babe-budget.blogspot.com

The red dress is va-va-voom, but perhaps that’s not the vibe you want to send out this year. Ditch the dress for complementary separates – a crop top with maxi skirt, or a floral top with red skorts is you know, also red. We also love the look paired with stripes.

plaid shirt dress

SOURCE: piccdata.com

You can also alternate red with colours that are more in your wheelhouse, like black and white.

midi skirt denim jacket

SOURCE: modasenin.com

vintage dress denim jacket

SOURCE: thecablook.com

Red paired with black or white can still make for an intense look; take it down a notch with light grey or denim. Jeans on Chinese New Year? Whatever will your nosy neighbours say? Probably that you look both amazing and amazingly comfortable.

Prints

zalora floral dress

SOURCE: whatwelike.co

floral dress

SOURCE: memdalet.com

Prints help mute some of that loudness. Floral dresses say “Happy Chinese New Year!” just as much as plain red dresses, and give you the double whammy of both growth and good fortune. Look for dresses (or tops or skirts – you get the idea) with hints of red in their floral prints.

Asos paisley red dress

SOURCE: asos.com

chanel spencer red dress

SOURCE: seventeen.com

Paisley and plaid also help reinvent the entire hue. We love the boho vibe that paisley lends to any outfit, while plaid or chequered designs give you either a schoolgirl charm or a grungy chicness, depending on how you wear it.

Red Underlay

lace dress

SOURCE: zalora.com.my

This look can stray close to auntie territory but in the right hands, it’s absolutely gold. While still being red. You can go both ways – black on top or red on top – but we particularly love black dresses with a red lacy overlay as lace dresses are hot right now.

Red Accessories

red sneakers

SOURCE: sincerelyjules.com

pink clutch

SOURCE: lionessforlionsden.wordpress.com

When all else fails, accessorise! Red shoes, beaded jewellery, or clutches are a great way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise staid outfit.

red jacket

SOURCE: thesweetestthingblog.com

You can also throw on a red scarf over your outfit, or do the opposite with a neutral coloured cardigan over a red dress or top.

Still not a fan? We understand. Paint your lips red – or not – and head out, because you make your own luck

Cover image from sharonsohea.com.

Why you should care

Get in on that good fortune – here’s how to red even if you don’t think it’s rad.

Related Stories